Artistically shaped folding leg tables



Nov. 24, 1953 H. NORQUIST ARTISTICALLY SHAPED FOLDING LEG TABLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 16, 1950 INVENTOR. GLEN/v h. NORQUIST BY QM J M Nov. 24, 1953 G. H. NORQUIST ARTISTICALLY SHAPED FOLDING LEG TABLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 16, 1950 JNVENTOR. GLEN/v H NORQU/ST $1 J. W

lllil'l .lllllll ATTORNEY Nov. 24, 1953 G. H. NORQUIST ARTISTICALLY SHAPED FOLDING LEG TABLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 16. 1950 INVENTOR. 6L E/VN f1. NOR U/ST BY ATTORNEY Nov. 24, 1953 G. H. NORQUIST ARTISTICALLY SHAPED FOLDING LEG TABLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 16, 1950 Patented Nov. 24, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARTISTIOALLY SHAPED FOLDING LEG TABLES This invention relates to artistically shaped folding leg tables and more particularly to tables having table top sections with depending apron frames of various artistic shapes and designs whose legs are designed to fold within the apron frame. This application is a continuation in part of my copending application serial No. 163,046 filed May 19, 1950.

This invention is directed to the provisions of wood furniture tables having artistically shaped table top sections and folding legs constructed to add decorative values to the room furnishings in which they are used. In accordance with this invention, the table top section is provided with an apron frame depending from and secured to a finished edging frame formed from selected hardwood. The edging frame may be made to enclose a table top panel which may be variously constructed and finished to harmonize with, or provide color contrast to, the surrounding finished edging frame. The table legs are also artistically contoured to complement the artistic shape and form of the table top section, with the outer face of the legs merging in smooth flowing lines with the adjacent outer face of the apron frame.

Each table leg is foldably connected to the table top section by a leg hinging assembly which is wholly contained within the apron frame and concealed by the apron frame from exterior view when the table is in erected position. The hinging assemblies are so constructed and mounted as to permit inward folding of the table legs in crossing relationship adjacent the underface of the table top section with the folded table legs fully contained within the apron frame. Each leg hinging assembly comprises a U-shaped hinge bracket which may be formed from a stamped metal plate and which is secured to the table top section in a manner to be wholly concealed within the apron frame. A metal collar is secured to the reduced end portion of each table leg and the reduced end portion and its associated collar are contained within and pivotally connected to the hinge bracket by a hing bolt. Each hinging assembly is also provided with latching means for releasably locking the table leg in erected position.

Each table leg is provided with an outwardly projecting shoulder portion directly below the reduced end portion thereof. The projecting shoulder portion is so formed as to swing under and abut the adjacent lower edge of th apron frame, with the adjacent outer face of the apron frame and the adjacent outer face portion of the table leg forming a substantially flush joint when the table leg is swung into fully erected position. When fully erected, the table legs have th visual appearance of being permanently fixed to the table top section by reason of the fact that the leg hinging assemblies are fully concealed within the apron frame, with the outer face of the artistically shaped legs merging smoothly together with the adjacent outer faces of the apron frame in a manner to provide a substantially flush joint therebetween. Tables constructed in accordance with this invention may be designed for use as dining tables, occasional tables, reading tables and bridge tables, adding decorative values to the room when in use, and yet may be folded and stored in a minimum of space.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of thi invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of this improved folding leg table as it appears when looking at the under face of the table top with the table legs folded across the center section of the table top.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the table as the same would appear when viewed along line 2-2 of Fig. 1, this view showing the manner in which the table legs fold within the apron frame of the table top.

Fig. 3 is another plan view of the table top as viewed from the under side thereof, this view showing the table legs in cross section as they would appear when in erected position.

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a table top with the table legs in erected position as the same would appear when viewed along line 4-4 of Fig. 3, this view showing approximately a half section of the table top in perspective to illustrate further structural details thereof.

Fig. 5 is another vertical cross-sectional view of the table top as the same would appear when viewed along line of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of an arcuate section of the table top edging frame as grooved and formed to receive and support the end portion of the bracing strut which extends substantially diametrically across the underside of the table top.

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of one end portion of the bracing strut.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of another folding leg table constructed in accordance with this invention whose table top is generally eight-sided, this view showing the table top as it appears when looking at the under side thereof with the table legs folded across the center section of the table top.

Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the table shown in Fig. 8 as it appears when viewed 3 along line 9-9 of Fig. 8 and showing further details of the table legs and associated hinge assemblies, this view also showing the table legs in dotted lines as they would appear when in erected position.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the leg hinging assembly as attached to the arcuate shaped apron frame of the table top.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional View taken along line I l-| l of Fig. 10 and showing further details of the leg hinging assembly; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the hinge brackat which forms a part of the leg hinging assembly shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and the specification.

While this invention is generally applicable to folding leg tables whose table tops assume various artistic shapes other than rectangular, such as three-sided table tops, five or more sided table tops, or table tops which are semi-elliptical or circular in shape, the accompanying drawings illustrate this invention as applied to tables having a generally round table top or an eight-sided table top which require the legs to be folded across the center section thereof.

The table as illustrated in Figs. 1 to inclusive of the drawings is constructed to provide a depending apron frame l which may be formed from a series of arcuate sections whose abutting ends may be secured together by dowels and glued to provide substantially invisible joints 2 therebetween. The apron sections may be formed from laminated plywood to present an outer finished face 5 formed from a selected hardwood veneer. A table top edging frame 5 caps the apron frame l and may be secured thereto by a series of spaced screws 6 as shown more particularly in 1 Fig. i. The edging frame 5 may be formed from arcuate sections of selected hardwood whose abutting ends are secured together by dowel pins 1 and additionally glued to provide substantially invisible joints 8. The edging frame 5 may have an artistically shaped outer edge 9 and the top face ill thereof may be stained and lacquered or otherwise painted to provide a finished surface.

The interior area of the edging frame E may be closed by a top panel to whose peripheral edge fits within a continuous groove i! cut into the inner edge of the edging frame 5 and is glued to and supported by an underslung shelf portion i2 formed as a part of the inner edge of the edging frame 5. The table top panel l5 as shown in Fig. 2 may present a finished top surface of selected hardwood veneer it which may be stained and lacquered or otherwise coated to harmonize with the finished surface it of the edging frame 5, so that the top face iii of the edging frame and the finished surface it of the table top panel 55 present an overall table top surface of finished and attractive appearance. Alternatively, the table top panel l5 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 may present an unfinished top surface which is covered by a flexible covering sheet l8 whose peripheral edge portion is pressed into a receiving groove I! cut into the upper face is of the edging frame 5 and retained therein by a decorative spline it which also serves to close the mouth of the groove El.

Table tops of artistic shapes constructed in accordance with this invention are provided with adequate bracing to strengthen the same and provide the necessary rigidity to the table top. As

shown in Figs. 3, 6, and 7, the necessary bracing may be provided by one or more bracing struts 29 which extend across the under face of the table top panel 15 and have the ends thereof secured to the surrounding edging frame 5. The bracing strut 29 as illustrated in Figs, 3 and 7 comprises a pair of wood members 2! whose adjacent side edges are joined by a dovetailing groove and spline providing a dovetailed joint 22 which gives the bracing strut the desired flexibility. Each end portion of the bracing strut 2% is notched out as at 23 to provide an overhanging tongue portion 24 shaped to fit within a conforming socket if out into the inner edge of the edging frame 5 so as to define an underslung supporting shoulder [4 to which the tongue portion 24 of the bracing strut 26 is glued and secured. One or more bracing struts extending across the under face of the table top panel 55 may be provided to insure adequate strength, rigidity and permanence to the table top construction.

Cracking and splintering of the arcuate apron sections forming the edging frame 5 may be avoided by providing a series of spaced saw cuts 3 which extend transversely across the inside face of the arcuate shaped apron sections, as indicated in Figs. 1, 3, and 4. The saw cuts 3 may be approximately e to of an inch deep depending upon the thickness of the apron frame sections. The saw cuts 3 are spaced apart a distance of approximately only three inches where the apron section is sharply curved, to a distance of twelve inches or more where the apron sections have a gentle arcuate curvature.

While Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive illustrate the application of this invention to table tops having a generally circular or elliptical contour, it will be appreciated that this invention is applicable to other artistically shaped table tops, as for example an eight-sided table top as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. The eight-sided table top, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, comprises an apron frame I formed from relatively straight apron members la whose ends are connected by corner apron members lb as by dowel pins [0 to provide substantially invisible joints 2. The outer faces of the apron members Ia and lb may be given a decorative contour l to enhance the artistic appearance of the apron frame.

The table edging frame 5, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, may be formed from relatively straight frame sections 5a carved from selected hardwoods whose adjacent ends are mitre cut to provide substantially invisible joints 8. The edging frame 5 is suitably secured to the upper edge of the apron frame I, and may have an artistically cut outer edge 9 to harmonize with the decorative outer face I of the apron frame, with the top face It] thereof suitably finished to harmonize with the finished face l5 of the top panel l5. The peripheral edge of the top panel I5 is supported by the underslung shoulder 14 which defines the inner edge of the edging frame 5.

Table legs 25 are secured to the table top section by leg hinging assemblies 39 which permit folding of the legs within the apron frame I and across the center section of the top panel l5. While table tops made in accordance with this invention may be equipped with three or more legs 25, the generally round or elliptical shaped table top shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and the generally eight-sided table top shown in Figs. 8 and 9, are shown equipped with four table legs which for convenience in description will be designated I 25a, 25b, 25c, and 250', respectively. The legs are made in standard table height length, so that when the legs are folded Within the apron frame the lower sections of the legs must overlap.

The table legs 25 constructed in accordance with this invention, present an upper end portion 26 having a generally rectangular cross section to which a leg collar 45 forming a part of the leg hinge assembly 30 is fixedly secured. The upper portion of each leg also presents an outward extending shoulder 2'! directly below the rectangular end portion 26, the shoulder 21 being so shaped and formed as to extend under and substantially abut the lower edge 4 of the apron frame I when the leg is in erected position as indicated in Figs. 4 and 9. The lower half portion 29 of each table leg may be made of lesser Width than the upper half portion 2% thereof, to thereby facilitate more compact nesting of the crossing legs when in folded position as indicated in Figs. 2 and 9. tractively shaped in numerous designs, types and patterns, and each leg may have its outer face 28' artistically contoured.

The leg hinge assemblies 30 are so constructed and mounted within the apron frame as to permit compact folding of the legs within the apron frame in the manner indicated in Figs. 1, 2, 8 and 9. For example, theleg hinge assemblies 39 connected to legs 25a and 2517 are so constructed and mounted within the apron frame as to permit the paired legs 25a and 25b to fold inwardly adjacent to one another in parallel relationship, with both legs 25a and 25b closely adjacent the underface of the top panel l5. Likewise, the leg hinge assemblies 30 connected to legs 25c and 25d are so constructed and mounted within the apron frame as to permit the legsv 25c and that to fold in adjacent parallel extending relationship and in a manner so that the reduced lower portions 25 of legs 25c and 25d will cross the reduced lower portions 29 of the legs 25a and 25b in a manner to effect compact nesting thereof within the apron frame I.

The leg hinging assemblies 3t may be similar in design and construction. Each leg hinge assembly 39 also incorporates means for releasably locking its associated leg in erected position and means for releasably retaining the leg in folded position within the confines of the apron frame I. Each leg hinge assembly to as shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12 may comprise a U-shaped hinge bracket 3| stamped from a flat metal plate. The hinge bracket 3| as thus formed comprises a, pair of parallel extending leg portions 32 and 32' which are connected by a web portion 33. The upper edge of each leg portion 32 and 32 is provided with an outwardly flared flange portion having a series of screw receiving holes 35 therein. The flange portions 34 are designed to abut against the inside face of the edging frame 5, and to further strengthen the construction, the flange portions 35 may also seat against a stiffening block l9 secured to the inside face of the table top panel l5 as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Screws 35' extend through the screw holes 35 to secure the hinge bracket 3| to the under face of the edging frame 5 and stiffening block Is.

In the construction shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the web portion 33 of the bracket 3i may he set within a conformed pocket cut in the inside face of the corner apron member ID and may be secured directly thereto as by screws. In the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and the bracket 3| may be secured to the arcuate inside face of the apron frame I as by a pair of angle clips 3% and 36'.

The legs may otherwise be at- Each angle clip 36 and 36 presents a clip leg 3'5. having a screw hole 38 therein through which a screw 38 may be inserted to secure the angle clip to the arcuate inside face of the apron frame l, and a clip leg 39 which may be secured as by spot welds 39' to the adjacent outside face of the leg portion 32 and 32' of the table bracket 3|.

It will be noted, by referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 8 that each bracket 3| is secured to the inside face of the apron frame i in a manner so that the leg portions 32 and 32' thereof will be properly positioned to insure accurate directional folding of the table legs within the apron frame I, with the paired table legs 25a and 2% extending in adjacent parallel relationship, and with the paired table legs 25c and 25d also extending in adjacent parallel relationship and crossing the paired legs 25a and 25b at the reduced lower portions 29 thereof.

The rectangular end portion 2% of each table leg 25 is shaped to snugly receive a metal collar 45, as indicated in Figs. 10 and 11. Each leg collar 45 may be shaped from a heavy metal band into rectangular form with the end portions d5 thereof overlapped and secured together as by spot welds. to present side walls i! and 43 and end walls 45 and 5c. The leg collar es is shaped. so that the side walls ll and 48 thereof are in snug fitting contact with the inside faces of the leg portions 32 and 32' respectively of the hinge bracket 3|, and with the end wall d9 of the collar in contact with the inside face of the web portion 33 of the hinge bracket it when the table leg to which the collar is attached is in erected position.

To apply the metal collar 35 to the squared upper end portion 26 of the table leg 25, the formed metal collar 45 is preferably heated to a low red heat to expand the same, and as thus heated is driven onto the conformed rectangular end portion 25 of the table leg and immediately chilled in a manner to cause the metal collar to shrink and thus embrace the rectangular end portion 26 of the table leg with a tenacious and im movable grip.

The collar 45 as thus applied to the leg presents its upper edge substantially flush with the upper end face of the table leg as indicated in Fig. 10. To permit unobstructed inward swinging movement of the table leg to folded position within the apron frame I. a corner portion of the tableleg may be cut to present an inclined corner face 25' as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, with the adjacent portions of the side walls 4'! and 6E! and end wall 19 of the leg collar 45 likewise cut off to conform with the inclined corner face 26 of the table leg.

The upper end of each table leg 25 is hingedly connected to its U-shaped hinge bracket 3| by means of a pivot bolt 55 which extends through a hole bored transversely through the upper end portion 26 of the table leg, the bored hole being in alignment with aligned bolt holes 5| in the side walls 41 and 48 of the leg collar 45. The pivot bolt 55 also extends through a pivot hole ii! in the leg portion 32 of the hinge bracket M, with the threaded end portion 55 of the hinge bolt extending into a threaded hole M in the leg portion 32 of the hinge bracket 3|. A suitable. fibre friction washer ts seats between the head portion 55 of the hinge bolt 55 and the adjacent leg portion 32 of the bracket 3 By a suitable tightening adjustment of the hinge bolt 55, the frictional resistance to the swinging movement of the table leg may be adjusted as desired. The hinge bolt 55 is so positioned that when the table leg is in its fully erected position, the end wall 49 of the 7 leg collar 45 is in firm abutment against the web portion 33 of the hinge bracket 3| as shown in Fig. 11, and the shoulder portion 2? of the leg substantially abuts the lower edge 3 of the apron frame as shown in Figs. l, 9 and 10.

Latching means associated with each table leg is provided to securely lock the leg in fixed erect position as shown in Figs. 4, 9, 10 and 11. The latching means comprises a tubular metal sleeve which extends into a conforming hole 58 bored transversely into the rectangular end portion 26 of the table leg, with the mouth of the sleeve 5! extending through the adjacent side wall 4'! of the leg collar 45. The sleeve 51 contains a latching bolt 60 designed to smoothly reciprocate therein. The latching bolt 60 has a tapered head portion 6| designed to project beyond the mouth of the sleeve 57. A compression spring 62 is positioned within the sleeve 57 and is designed to be compressed between the fiat end 63' of the latching bolt and the closed end 58 of the bore 58.

The tapered head portion 6| of the latching bolt 66 is designed to project through a latching hole 4| in the bracket leg 32 when the table leg I is in its fully erected position. The latching hole 4| has a tapered or countersunk rim 4| on the inner face thereof against which the tapered head portion 6| of the latching bolt 66 may earn. The latching hole 4| is so shaped and located that the head portion 5| of the latching bolt, as urged by the compression spring 62, will project through the hole 4| only when the end wall 49 of the leg collar 45 is in firm abutment against the inside face of the web por- 1.

tion 33 of the hinge bracket 3|. Thus when the table leg is in fully erected position, it is locked against swinging movement by the head portion 6| of the locking bolt 60 as projected through the latching hole 4|, and is additionally braced and held rigid by the web portion 33 of the hinge bracket 3| against which the end wall 49 of the leg collar 45 abuts.

In order to swing the table leg into folding position, the head portion 6| of the latching bolt 60 must be driven inwardly from its wedged position in the latching hole 4|. Means are provided to drive the latching bolt 60 out of latch ing engagement with the latching hole 4|, which means comprises a cap member 53 which seats over the outer face of the latching hole 4|. The cap member 83 is provided with a flared flange 64 which is secured as by solder or welding to that portion of the bracket leg 32 which surrounds the latching hole 4|. The cap member 63 is provided with a sleeve portion 65 within which a manipulating pin 66 is designed to slide. The pin 65 has a manipulating head 6'! and a flared base portion 68 designed to seat against the end of the head portion 6| of the latching bolt 6%. Finger pressure exerted against the head portion 61 of the manipulating pin 66 operates to drive the latching bolt 60 inwardly against the action of the coil spring 62 in a manner to release the head portion 6| thereof from latching engagement with the latching hole 4| in the bracket leg 32.

Means are also provided to releasably retain the table legs in folded position within the confines of the apron frame as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 8 and 9. This retaining means comprises a hole 69 in the leg 32 of the hinge bracket 3| which presents an interior counter-sunk or tapered rim 69' designed to provide a pocket for the end of the latching bolt 60 as shown in Figs. and 12.

It will be noted that the retaining hole 69 is of smaller diameter than the latching hole 4| so that no manipulating pin or pusher device is required to release the latching bolt 60 from its pocketed position within the counter-sunk hole 69. Nevertheless, the end of the latching bolt Gil projects into the counter-sunk retaining hole 69 a sufficient distance to firmly retain the table leg in its folded position, and yet permit the folded legs to be pulled down into erect position by the application of a pulling force on the table leg suificient to cause the end of the latching bolt 6|] to cam out of the counter-sunk retaining hole 69.

It will be appreciated that when the table leg 25 is swung into erected position, the compression spring 62 will drive the head portion 6| of the latching bolt 60 into and through the latching hole ll so as to rigidly retain the leg in erected position until manually released by the manipulating pin 66. When the latching bolt 88 is released from the latching hole 4| by finger pressure exerted on the manipulating pin 65, the table leg can be folded inwardly as shown in Figs. 2 and 9, and when so folded the end of the latching bolt 60 will ride against the inside face of the bracket leg 32 until the end of the latching bolt snaps into the counter-sunk retaining hole 69 to thereby firmly hold and retain the table leg in folded position until released from this position by a downward pull exerted on the table leg.

Leg hinging assemblies constructed in accordance with this invention are particularly adapted for use with table tops of artistic shapes where the legs must be folded in crossing arrangement. These leg hinging assemblies are designed and constructed to rigidly hold the erected table legs fixed and immovable with the leg hinging assemblies fully concealed within the apron frame I so that the table has the exterior appearance of having permanently fixed legs. The latching hole 4| associated with the hinge brackets 3| presents a camming rim 4| which cooperates with the tapered head portion 6| of the latching bolt 60 in a manner to rigidly lock the associated table leg in erected position irrespective of wear on the parts during use. Simple means comprising a manipulating pin 66 is provided, which is readily accessible and yet concealed from exterior view within the apron frame, for releasing the latching bolt 60 from its erected leg retaining position.

It will be noted that each erected table leg is held immovable by the particular construction of the leg hinging assembly associated therewith which provides for three point bracing. For example, the erected leg 25 shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is braced by the hinge bolt 55 at a point which forms the apex of a triangle, is braced by the head portion 6| of the latching bolt fit extending through the latching hole 4| to form the second point of the bracing triangle, and is braced at the third point of the bracing triangle by the web portion 33 of the hinge bracket 3! against which the end wall 49 of the leg collar 55 abuts. Positive and immovable rigidity irrespective of wear of the parts forming the hinge assembly, is thus given to the erected leg.

Predetermined frictional resistance to the swinging movement of the legs from erect position to folded position and vice versa may be simply accomplished by manipulating the head portion 55" of the hinge bolt 55 so that the leg portions 32 and 32' of the hinge bracket exert the desired frictional pressure against the side walls 4'! and 48 of the leg collar positioned therebetween. These leg hinging assemblies are also so constructed as to retain the folded table leg fully within the confines of the apron frame I so that the table with its folded legs can be contained within a minimum storage space.

Folding leg tables, embodying the improved leg hinging assemblies above described, are sturdy and long lasting in use and betray no visible exterior evidence that the legs are foldable, but on the contrary give the visible appearance of permanently set up table. Folding leg tables constructed in accordance with this invention permit folding of the table legs in crossing relationship with the folded legs fully contained within the confines of the apron frame, and thus permit the construction of folding leg tables having table top sections of various artistic shapes and designs not heretofore considered possible.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and defined by the appending claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A folding leg table including in combination, a table top section having a depending apron frame, a plurality of table legs for supporting said table top section in erected position, a leg hinging and latching assembly associated with each of said table legs and fully contained within the confines of said apron frame when the leg a is in erected position, said leg hinging and latching assembly comprising a hinge bracket secured to said table top section and positioned adjacent the inside face of said apron frame, a pivot bolt swingably connecting the upper end portion of the table leg to said hinge bracket, and latching means for releasably locking the upper end portion of the table leg and said hinge bracket to retain the table leg in rigid erected position, each of said table legs having a shoulder portion directly below the upper end portion thereof designed to extend under and to substantially abut the lower edge of said apron frame with the adjacent outside face of said apron frame and the adjacent outside face portion of the table leg providing a substantially flush joint therebetween when the table leg is in fully erected position.

2. A folding leg table including in combination, a table top section having a continuous apron frame which includes a plurality of arcuately shaped sections fixed to and depending from the table top section, a plurality of table legs arranged in spaced relationship for supporting said table top section in erected position, a leg hinging and latching assembly asosciated with each of said table legs and fully contained within the confines of said apron frame when the leg is in erected position, said leg hinging and latching assembly comprising a hinge bracket secured to said table top section and positioned adjacent the inside face of an arcuate section of said apron frame, a pivot bolt swingably connecting the upper end portion of the table leg to said hinge bracket, and latching means for releasably looking the upper end portion of the table leg and said hinge bracket to retain the table leg in rigid erected position, said leg hinging and latching assemblies being operative to direct the folding movement of the table legs across the central area of said table top section with certain of said legs positioned directly adjacent the table top section and other of said legs folded in overlying crossing relationship to first-named legs, each of said table legs having a shoulder portion directly below the upper end portion thereof designed to extend under and to substantially abut the lower edge of the adjacent arcuate apron section with the adjacent outside face of said arcuate apron section and the adjacent outside face portion of the table leg pro viding a substantially flush joint therebetween when the table leg is in fully erected position.

3. A folding leg table including in combination, a table top section having a depending apron frame, said apron frame comprising alternate side sections and intermediate biased sections of shorter length than said side sections and connected at the ends thereof to provide a substantially continuous apron frame, a plurality of table legs for supporting the table top section in erected position, a leg hinging and latching assembly associated with each of said table legs and fully contained within the confines of said apron frame when the leg is in erected position, said leg hinging and latching assembly comprising a hinge bracket secured to said table top section and positioned adjacent the inside face of a biased section of said apron frame, a pivot bolt swingably connecting the upper end portion of the table leg to said hinge bracket, and latching means for releasably locking the upper end portion of the table leg and said hinge bracket to retain the table leg in rigid erected position, said leg hinging and latching assemblies being operative to direct the folding of the table legs across the central area of said table top section with certain of said table legs positioned directly adjacent the inside face of the table top section and other of said legs folded in overlying crossing relationship to said first-named legs, each of said table legs having a shoulder portion directly below the upper end portion thereof and designed to extend under and to substantially abut the lower edge of the adjacent biased section of said apron frame with the adjacent outside face of said biased apron section and the adjacent outside face portion of the table leg providing a substantially flush joint therebetween when the table leg is in fully erected position.

GLENN H. NORQUIST.

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